What should you do to monitor oxygen flow from a PO2 bottle?

• A. Check the pressure gauge
• B. Listen for sound from the mask
• C. Use the inflatable flow indicator
• D. Inspect the tubing for kinks

Answer: (C)

To monitor oxygen flow from a PO2 bottle effectively, using the inflatable flow indicator is the most accurate method. The inflatable flow indicator is specifically designed to provide a visual cue regarding whether oxygen is flowing through the system. When oxygen flows through the tubing and into the mask, the indicator will inflate, indicating that the system is operational and delivering oxygen to the patient.

This method is particularly useful because it gives a clear and direct indication of flow without requiring additional interpretation, which might be necessary for other methods. A pressure gauge, while important for understanding the overall pressure in the bottle, does not provide real-time information on whether oxygen is actually reaching the patient. Listening for sound from the mask could be misleading, as sounds can be muffled and don't definitively indicate flow. Inspecting the tubing for kinks is crucial for ensuring there are no blockages, but it doesn't confirm that oxygen is flowing at the required rate.

In context, the inflatable flow indicator remains the most straightforward and reliable means to confirm the functioning of the oxygen delivery system.